Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

These Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are perfectly seasoned with garlic and herbs, cooked until they easily pull from the bone! The juiciest, most flavorful crockpot chicken thighs!

This recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs is a back-to-basics approach to making fall-off-the-bone, meltingly tender chicken thighs any day of the week.

I know, I know.

You might be thinking, “do we need another recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs?”

(Especially when I’ve already written about my love for Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts).

And the answer to that question would be yes, yes we do.

Here’s the thing: Not all recipes for chicken thighs cooked in the slow cooker are created equal.

Does the following scenario sound familiar?

You add chicken thighs to the crockpot and then several hours later, when you sit down to eat, you discover the chicken has turned out stringy and tough. Completely unappetizing and a waste of food, right?

These chicken thighs are seasoned with a savory blend of herbs and spices and seared before being added to the crockpot, which makes them incredibly flavorful and juicy.

Love those crockpot chicken recipes? Check out my recipe for Crockpot Shredded Chicken if you’re looking for more inspiration!

If you’re looking for to make chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, these Instant Pot Chicken Thighs are similar in method and results, but come with a creamy garlic sauce that gets rave reviews!

How to make Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs:

• I like to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs when I make this recipe. I know that some people are hesitant to use skin-on chicken thighs because they’re higher in fat, but the skin makes a huge difference in terms of flavor and it keeps the meat extra moist.
• If you’re working with boneless, skinless chicken thighs — a perfectly acceptable option, by the way (I use them to make these Honey Balsamic Crockpot Chicken Thighs) — skip the browning and add the chicken right to the crockpot. Opt for a lower heat setting and 3-4 hour cook time on low in order to prevent accidentally overcooking the chicken.
• Alternatively, why not have the best of both worlds? Prepare the chicken thighs as instructed in the recipe and and remove the skin just before serving.
• Take the time to brown the chicken thighs. Work in two batches if needed. The chicken shouldn’t touch or overlap. Don’t disturb the chicken thighs as they’re browning, the skin will naturally shrink away from the pan when its reached the crispy stage.
• Make a gravy out of the liquid drippings left in the slow cooker. If you have a relatively small amount of liquid leftover you can simmer it in the crockpot on high heat until it thickens naturally. For a thicker gravy whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with ¼ cup of water or chicken stock until it forms a slurry. Turn the crockpot to high, stir the slurry into the remaining slow cooker liquid and whisk until the gravy thickens.

Variations on Crockpot Chicken Thighs:

• Cook potatoes in the slow cooker. Is there any chicken recipe that isn’t improved by the addition of potatoes (not according to my recipe for , anyway)? Creamy potato varieties such as Yukon Gold or red skinned potatoes are ideal for serving with chicken thighs and gravy. Toss the potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper before nestling them under the chicken thighs in the crockpot. Cook on low heat for 5-6 hours.
• Add vegetables during the last hour of cooking. Fresh or frozen such as carrots, peas, corn, broccoli, and sweet pepper strips can be added during the last hour or half hour before the crock pot timer goes off (smaller or more delicate vegetables will need less time).
• Make Tex-Mex slow cooker chicken thighs. Replace the herbs and spices called for in the original recipe with a packet of taco seasoning. Serve with this Instant Pot Brown Rice!
• Brush chicken thighs with barbecue sauce. Once the chicken thighs are completely cooked they can be brushed with barbecue sauce. For even crispier skin, run the chicken under the broiler until the barbecue sauce begins to bubble before serving.

How to serve Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs:

• I like to serve these chicken thighs with rice and a side of veggies. Feel free to use your favorite grain — these thighs go with everything!
• Shredded and added to chicken tacos or barbecue sandwiches.
• Served chilled alongside my Easy Potato Salad Recipe on a picnic.

How to store leftover Crockpot Chicken Thighs:

Cooked leftover slow cooker chicken thighs can be stored in a resealable container for 3-4 days. To freeze leftover chicken thighs, remove meat from the bone and store in a resealable freezer bag for up to 4 months for optimal freshness.

To defrost cooked chicken thighs transfer to the fridge and allow to thaw overnight before using.

More crockpot chicken recipes:

• Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
• Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Apples
• Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
• Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken